Kryolan's Halloween Bash! Food, Drink and Makeup.... Thank you Katie for helping with some FX Makeup for my kit. So much fun! read more

Kryolan Professional Make-up - Cosmetics & Beauty Supply Near Me - San Francisco, California

A makeup artist I know suggested Kryolan when I described a crazy halloween costume idea in which I wanted to be hologram princess leia to accompany my Darth Vader daughter. I needed like a blue pigment effect for my skin. I stopped in and the super friendly staff offered to help me right away. They made me feel like I wasn't nuts and were really excited to help make my idea come to life. They suggested a few options all of which were exactly what I was looking for and gave me the pros and cons of each so I could decide. They also gave me advice on how to to apply and we did some mini demos on my hand. Everything was affordable and worked exactly as expected. Will definitely be back! read more

Very clean and neat store, the associate Yami (sp?) was especially attentive and helped me find the shade that worked for me. The product quality is exceptional and I value the input made by the aforementioned associate to help me match my product choices to my skin tones and wardrobe. Overall pleasant experience for a first time makeup purchaser and will gladly come back. (ps: packaging is a plus!) read more

Kryolan Professional Make-up - packaging - Cosmetics & Beauty Supply Near Me - San Francisco, California

I went to buy Halloween makeup, and they were super nice and helpful! But the best part was they had a haunted house that was actually scary! I recommend read more

BEST of the best where real makeup etc. is concerned. They have pretty much EVERYTHING: from stuff for sculpting and painting to removing it all. . read more

Great store!!! Clean, well organized and great location. The beauty advisor was very nice . Accommodating , polite and humble. I only wish that they stocked more of their items. I love going on a physical store and seeing the stuff. Hope to visit again soon. read more

I like Kryolan and its product very much. I went there recently and Yami was very professional and helpful and patient and made my shopping a great experience. He is always helpful even when I called the store before, he helped me to find the right product over the phone. Keep it up Yami! read more

"Makeup is a science" Yes, it is. Whether you are doing involved looks that require wax/latex prosthetics or every day beauty looks. Kryolan makeup is NOT tested on animals. Love it! Don't worry, I'm not going to get preachy. I will however draw attention to my personal preference of cosmetics and beauty products that aren't unnecessarily tested on animals. There are so many great brands out there. Kryolan is quickly becoming my favorite. Why Kryolan? Well, a long time ago, I thought MAC was professional makeup. I thought that brand was going to give me the look I wanted when I do the faces I do for special events, nights out on the town, Halloween, and every day. MAC (Estee Lauder) isn't for me. Kryolan? Yasssssssssss!! The waterproof finishing powder locks my look in whether I am sweating from dancing or the weather is humid. The tv stick foundation covers my freckles and dark circles in a flash. The camouflage is great for stubborn dark circles and dots. The dual finish powder (can be used wet or dry) is another setting powder or I use it on those casual weekend days I throw my hair up in a bun and lounge around with a "no-makeup" makeup look. My daughters and I have an obscene collection of eye shadows, blushes, and lipsticks from Sephora and Ulta so I didn't spend a lot of time on those. If you have never had professional makeup - look at their palettes. They rival my Viseart palettes. Once I hit pan on those I plan to replenish with palettes from Kryolan. They offer pre-assembled and custom options. The ladies assisting me were friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and they didn't pressure me to buy anything. They were happy to help me find the appropriate color foundation (tricky for me being half Asian and Half Black with muted yellow undertone) I feel really good about the purchases I made for me and my daughters. I'm not going to talk about their products because that would be dishonest. I don't use the things they purchased. I know I love what I bought. I know my younger daughter loved what she used for her prom makeup. I know my older daughter is having so much fun with what she bought. I want to go back and get leg foundation, the glittery stuff that lasts even when you are under water, and the liquid that will transform any eyeshadow or pigment into eyeliner (older daughter has that) They offer classes and sell a lot more products than I mentioned. Ah! The prices are affordable for the amount of product you get and the product is truly quality. No packaging hype, no fragrances to irritate sensitive skin - just real makeup. They offer a variety of classes and they can also do your makeup for an event or photo shoot. Ask about that when you are in the store! I regret not checking in. I missed out on the 15% off any purchase of $50 or more for both of my trips here. Of course I spent more than $50. We've all seen how much I love makeup! Kryolan is my go-to for my base. If it's good enough for models, stage performers, drag queens, mermaids, and every day women who just want a finished, lasts all all day look without having to lug makeup around with them - it's good enough for me! Psst - they do NOT test on animals so yeah for me? It's love! Park on the street but mind the meter! Metee maids are like locusts in that area. THEY ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC so please do not be deterred by the gate. Just ring the bell and they will buzz you right in! Go. Browse. Ask questions. Buy stuff. Play. You create and define beauty however you choose. Beauty is everywhere. It's in all of us. read more

See all

Kryolan came highly recommended from our makeup artist for the Carnaval parade. This place is amazing! Brightly lit, clean surfaces and organized displays. I'm really intimidated when I go to places like this since most of my makeup comes from target! ;) Jordan was so great with helping me choose a color palette (fuschia!) for Carnaval. I purchased fake eyelashes, lash glue, cheek paint and a bright lipstick. I thought it would've cost me $50 for all these items (ahem, Sephora!) but my total was only $34. They have specialty makeup too so keep them in mind for Halloween. Easy parking since there are a lot of parking meters on 9th street. Just be aware that the neighborhood is sketchy because you need to ring the buzzer before you can enter the store! Well worth the trip though. read more

Kryolan Professional Make-up - Fake lashes and fuschia cream blush - Cosmetics & Beauty Supply Near Me - San Francisco, California

One of my favorite go-to spots for the best makeup quality in the city. I was first introduced to Kryolan when I needed face makeup for Bay to Breakers (did the David Bowie lightning bolt). The makeup is long lasting and stayed on even though I was sweating from the run. On a recent visit, I was helped by the gorgeous Roxy Cotton Candy and found the perfect foundation and concealer for my skin tone. There is a great range of color options and I went away with the perfect match! Roxy has been with the company for years and is fantastic makeup expert. I felt like I walked away confident with all the makeup choices that was shown to me. I also have been to one of the training classes and they are super helpful for makeup tips and perfecting one's look. Whenever I need a dependable quality makeup that stays on and makes me look fabulous.... and be treated fabulous by the staff, this is the place to go! read more

I had a makeover here by Joel for the Edwardian Ball and was SO thrilled with the results! A fantastic experience! I can't wait for my next excuse to come here for a makeup application :-) read more

Kryolan Professional Make-up - Cosmetics & Beauty Supply Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

This is such an great place for anyone who enjoys the art of using makeup. The Kryolan line is designed for those who appreciate a wide range of colors for creating palettes that are unique and eye-catching. Folks in live and on camera entertainment have loved this brand for years, and I can see why. I went in recently to find a few fun eye shadows and David was incredibly valuable in assisting me. David helped me find this beautiful navy blue-colored eye shadow, and we built a trio of colors around it. He was collaborative, knowledgeable, and authentic in his interactions with me, and others there as well. I will definitely come back to Kryolan and visit David when I'm ready for more beauty play. I recommend stopping in there for anyone who sees the face not just for the features, but also for the possibilities as a canvas. It's truly fun! read more

Made and appt with Jordan to get my Engagement Photo makeup done. Walked in and Jordan was not there, so Someone else at the counter did my makeup. This was the worst makeup application I have ever seen. I had to stop him and leave after an hour so I could go home wash my face and do it myself. He was very nice and professional and seemed like he half knew how to use makeup brushes but was clueless about makeup. There was barely any foundation applied, my eye shadow look like I had 2 uneven, spotty eyes and he was going to glue on 5 individual lashes per eye...for a photo shoot. Very disappointed, as I expected professional makeup. Very stressful day and will never go back here or recommend to anyone. I get 1 chance at getting engagement photos done which i paid a lot of money for and it was ruined. read more

I'm officially a sucker for Kryolan. Ever since our first meeting, things haven't been the same. I daydream about the next time we'll meet again. So I went to the annual bag sale and picked up a whole bunch of goodies for only $25. Man I couldn't believe all the stuff that I got, I uploaded a pic of the goodies. I even dragged my sister along this time. Well, didnt really have to drag her along, ever since I showed her what I got the first time, the broad decided to "borrow" my aqua colors till she got her own. She was kind of bummed that she didn't get to see all the regular stuff that they sell since that bag sale was going on. To her delight, they told her that the studio would be back to normal after 1:30pm. So we decided to kill a few hours at the mall and returned for a second visit in the same day. Got the 8 eye shadow palette. Ive been using it all week long, and the color payoff is amazing. Oh Kryolan, I wait for the day when our paths will cross again. read more

See all

This is my most favorite makeup line in the world. At first I thought they were only located over seas and I am blessed to have one here in San Francisco. Joseph was amazing. He was super helpful and he made some amazing recommendations for my color. Kryolan, hands down is one of the best in the world read more

Kryolan Professional Make-up - They said they close at 7 so we left and came back it's 6:30 and they are closed - Cosmetics & Beauty Supply Near Me - San Francisco, California

AMAZING Experience!!! I work as a makeup artist/stylist in the New Orleans area and I'm a huge fan of Kryolan. I went to San Fran to check out the store, and get some things I can't get at home. I must say, I'm overly impressed with it!! Siai was incredibly wonderful, and made both mine, and my dads experience one that we will never forget. I was so excited and overjoyed to be in what I call "Mecca" and she joined me in my excitement. Siai was warm, welcoming, knowledgable, sincere, and an absolute joy to interact with! Not only are the products amazing, the staff is as well. She is truly an asset to Kryolan!!! Thank you so much Siai! You made our day one to remember, and I WILL be back to visit not only the store, but you as well!!! Xoxo- Tori read more

Kryolan Professional Make-up - Absolute BEST service ever!!! - Cosmetics & Beauty Supply Near Me - San Francisco, California

Everyone here is extremely knowledgeable and inviting. I needed a few things for a wedding I was doing the make up for professionally. Jordan I believe helped me. He is amazing and very patient with all my questions. I use a lot of Kryolan's products already but wanted to try some more. I ask a lot of questions hehe. I felt so comfortable asking him about everything. I also felt as if I knew him a little already from taking all the professional classes they offer. So that was nice to finally meet him in person. Thank you Kryolan! read more

Great service during a crazy time for artists and small businesses. Thanks for your help Jordan! read more

I knocked off one star just because they always seem to be out of product and under staffed. On the 4 star side the product they have is great. The water/sweat proof Derma Blend make-up doesn't move and lasts until you take it off. got my makeup done and it was spectacular. read more

BEST place for special effects & theatrical make up!!!!!!! I highly recommend coming here if you want professional looking and good quality items. Parking is a pain there but hey, that's SF for ya! read more

Kryolan Professional Make-up - Cosmetics & Beauty Supply Near Me - San Francisco, California

I came here to pick up a multi-use palette that I intended to use during a trip abroad. I accidentally left the palette at home and after realizing I just didn't reach for it that often, I ended up regifting it to a friend of mine, who absolutely loves it. I think it's definitely more for makeup artists and special effects folks, maybe not so much for everyday consumers. Still, I would like to come back and check out the fixing sprays! read more

Wonderful shop. I always thought they were expensive but was shocked how reasonable all the pricing is. Staff is lovely and very helpful. Going back soon for a makeup class as they teach there as well. read more

I'm a little obsessed with make-up. While my sister was caught shaving her face when she was little with my dad's razor, I was the one traipsing around in my mom's high heels and scandalously low cut dresses putting on yet another coat of lipstick. Case in point -- at the last Trannyshack I was mistaken for a drag queen when I came in the stage door. You don't have to be a drag queen to like Kryolan, but you do have to love make-up. Founded in Berlin over 50 years ago, they now have one store in San Francisco where they sell all of their insanely amazing products for fair prices. On my last visit, I saw: - MAC-style deeply pigmented eyeshadows, lipsticks and body paints - UV make-up that glows under the black lights - Mustaches and beards that look like the real thing - All of the blood, prosthetics, fangs and fake scars a ghoul could wish for - Lashes that would make Tammy Faye jealous (and maybe even Shu Uemura devotees) If you have a special occasion coming up, whether a wedding or a Burning Man trip, Kryolan should be your first stop. You will be stunning. read more

"COMPARABLE TO MAC" ??? I'm just another MAC-obsessed makeup whore here, so I rarely believe the hype about other makeup brands.....but it sure as hell lives up to the hype. This is any makeup-fanatic's dream come true, with a wide range of deeply pigmented eyeshadows and foundations so thick, one can transform from the devil himself to a sweet little angel...or vice versa. PROS: 1. deeply pigmented, wide range of colors 2. less expensive than MAC or other department store brands CONS: 1. if used incorrectly, you might look like a tranny...(put this into PRO's if that was intentional) 2. texture of eyeshadows: pigments tend to crack easier and are harder to blend. 3. staff is semi-helpful, but not so friendly. The guy that (kinda) helped us seemed nice but lost... (-1 star) 4. They're only open Monday thru Friday til 5! 2. if you park in front, don't assume you got "pimp parking".....you'll get towed after 4pm. (Flashback: me flying down the banister and running in slo-mo to my car, screaming "NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!"....as I'm watching the tow truck beeping and slowly backing up into my car and the meter maid shaking his head at me.) I know there's more Con's on the list than Pro's....but hell, I'll be back. read more

I used to get my makeup supplies here when i was still doing makeup artistry great place for getting makeup supplies. great selections and very affordable. DERMACOLORS are the best coverups yet. Liquid foundations are great especially for the price you're paying for. I also use little things from them like the cake liners, powders etc. Great stuff. CONS: this was long ago and i do not know the update of their workshops. But i had taken their camouflage makeup workshop and it was a waste of my money due to the instructor. Her name was Christine, i believe, and she has her own skin care line out and was trying to sell it to us. Out of two days of workshop only 1/2-1 hour she was actually showing us how to apply it and another hour or two for us to practice... OUT OF TWO DAYS?!!! im sorry. i take lots of workshops and this by far was the worse one. It felt like one of those scams where they take your money and run. I didnt pay to have someone show me before and after pictures for two full days. i didnt pay to have someone explaining me hours of how important camouflage makeup is. (i know it is and that's why im signing up for the class.. duh!!) AND i didnt pay for someone trying to sell me their skin-care product line. ALL of this.. TWO FULL DAYS OF IT. Kryolan probably had no idea what a horrible an educator she was. and i hope that writing this review on her, they will re-consider educators like her so that they can have a better reputation and keep their customers happy. read more

I first learned about Kryolan years ago when a lot of photographers were still shooting film. I had a few dark scars that I needed to find a good coverup for. I tried the department store lines & concealer, but nothing seemed thick enough to mask the dark scars. Then a make-up artist recommended Kryolan. Magic. This is the place to go for theater and stage make-up. The scars were gone on camera and required very little retouching Just this past Thurs I had my hair highlighted red. When I got home and checked my messages, my agent had left me details for a commercial that was filming the next day. They were expecting a black haired Asian girl to play a part in a law firm. I rushed to Kryolan on Friday morning at 10am and was able to purchase their black hair and wig temporary color spray. I was able to spray in the black and made it to set by 12:30pm. Thank you Kryolan, you saved me the hastle of having to dye my hair back to black. The spray washed right out. The only negative was that black specs did tend to rub off on to my facem but it's as to be expected with any temporary coloring. Special bonus is the store is located only two blocks from my office. Love the remodel and open first floor layout. read more

One of my favorite makeup brands, excellent quality. My daughter and I were at the store in SF, it was a great experience. We bought some products we love - concealer, lipsticks and powder - We will be back soon read more

Any drag queen worth her weight in nail polish knows that Kryolan is THE place to go get your drag on. Being married to a drag performer, I have been sent here for everything from wig accouterments, Cher-class makeup, fantastic 6 inch nails, and eyelashes that could actually sweep a floor. These queens know their business! I'm never disappointed and the selection is truly mind-boggling. Service can be a bit curt and quick - in a kinda semi-bitchy way, but I have always just chalked it up to the experience. One star deduction for selling me glue that almost permanently sealed my eye one year. Ouch! read more

I've been meaning to go here for quite some time and I finally was able to check this spot out! I was greeted right when I walked in and loved the fact there is lots of stuff to sample. Kat was great, we had a great convo about media and television. She was super helpful in giving me tips on set makeup and application on talent. I actually came in there not sure what I was shopping for but ended up getting some great products; concealer, translucent powder (for talent that sweats!), eye shadow palette, some more e/s, and lip palette. Go see Kat, she knows what she's talking about! BTW prices are pretty decent! Be aware of parking at this location, check all signs! it's SF-go figure it's kinda tricky! read more

Excellent products. Nice, bright store. Absolutely rude salesperson. I love Kryolan products, and just spent $80 on various items. The woman helping me was a nightmare---she had zero interest in answering any of my questions or helping me. Granted, it's two days before Halloween and I know they are busy, but being told "if you don't know what you want,I can be helping at least three other customers" when I simply asked which red might be best for my specific purpose is completely rude and uncalled for. They're the pros, not me. That's why they work there and I don't. I don't like being yelled at. Go when you don't think they'll be busy, or brace yourself for a rushed, stressful experience. read more

I attended the Halloween Make-up class @ Kryolan. This was an all day class that covered many different techniques & looks. You're not just watching an instructor, it's hands on from the gate. While it may seem a little pricey, it is well worth it. You get a take home kit FILLED with good stuff (Aquacolors, powders, latex, brushes...). Classes are small. Special thanks to Jordan (the class instructor) who was personable and skilled. A+! I'm not a pro but I wasn't intimidated at all. I learned a few things that I know I will use repeatedly and I have a feeling I just started an expensive addiction to Kryolan. I advise bringing your own gentle make-up remover wipes and moisturizer. Although the class provides baby wipes (very considerate!) after the 5th removal of make-up/spirit gum/latex my skin was a little dry and tight. If you're driving do some parking recon beforehand. I parked on Polk for a reasonable all day flat rate. read more

Kryolan is a true professional make-up company with amazing products. If you are a make-up enthusiast, you will be in heaven. They have every single beauty products you can think of from eye shadows to foundations to brushes and make-up kits as well as an incredible selection of Halloween and movie/ stage make-up. Their selection is impressive and prices are great. Few people know it, but they actually manufacture their make-up in their facility on Ninth St. Kryolan also offers make-up classes taught by Dominic Cruz, Kryolan's expert make-up artist. During the 2 day class, you'll learn the Three Faces of Kryolan (professional, bridal and fashion) in addition to receiving a cool make-up kit that will make you feel like a true professional. I think I finally starting to master the art of make-up and I love it! read more

I love this place. They hate me though. :D I get the giggles because of that and I completely understand where the workers are coming from. You see, I'm a professional, they're professionals, don't you want to be a professional too? Though my industry has nothing to do with theatrical makeup, so I only go to Kryolan once a year for Halloween, which is the best and worst time to go. If you're a Hallow-slacker and walk in a day before the 31st, expect the counter to be 5 people deep; this is NOT the time to expect a walk-through on how to get your face to look like a Manah-Manah character. Go to the Halloween superstore and hide your procrastinating face behind a rubber mask. As you probably guessed, I tend to go there on the 30th expecting an e-how walkthrough. I still chuckle inside when a sales guy tersely said "this is an ART form!" Uh yeeeah, so I need to be pink. They remind me how obsessed I can be with my own work. When not completely stressed with a barrage of customers, the staff is very knowledgeable and it is fun to pick their minds and explore creative possibilities together. They do have Halloween makeup workshops now, which is great because this is the year for Manah-Manah. read more

My daughter enjoyed her Cosplay class with Siai and Wounds/Burns SFX class with Jordan. She has been so enthusiastic about her theater classes and this just enriched her passion even more. The teachers were amazing and inspiring and we can't wait to sign up for more classes. I'm so happy that we found this makeup studio/shop in SF!! read more

Kryolan Professional Make-up - Special FX: Wounds & Burns - Cosmetics & Beauty Supply Near Me - San Francisco, California

Ain't gonna lie, I don't have much experience with make-up, make-up artists, or cosmetics retailers. But I do dress in the occasional drag, and when I needed to make a drag-starter kit with one of my good friends, we went straight to Kryolan. Why? Well, mostly because they sponsor RuPaul's Drag Race and Drag-U. The staff is super friendly. Even while understaffed the day before SF Pride's kick-off, they helped my friend and I find the best shades of foundation, lip stuff, and walked us through a slew of other products. All the while helping the other customers who came in/out of the store. They had a lot I would die to have in my drag bag, but their prices are a bit high for the occasional funness that my friends and I partake in. We went for the quality basics and the hard to find/make. Like bright-red glitter lipstick. :). They also have classes, which I'm super excited to take! read more

Don't come here doesn't seem like the workers want to help None is friendly here if your really want the stuff just order online and save the trip I hear a lot of people complain about the customer service the manager or whatever says he'll handle it never does how about just fire them ? I ask my friends did you have a bad experience and they all said yes fuck this place read more

Best makeup out there, especially for special effects. Happy the store itself had a makeover of its own, since a few years back the store was on the second floor. Ring the buzzer to get in, since the hobo population is in full effect around this area. read more

Came here at 4:30, Waited 20 minutes for anyone just to look at me. I ended up grabbing a few items and it still took another 15 minutes for the woman to ring me up. Their quality may be good but there service has earned them 3 stars. Boo for bad service. If you come, prepare to wait... and wait... and wait. Beware of hippie chicks from the mission who like to monopolize the sales person's time for a $1 brush. read more

"Looking for Halloween makeup in August? Christine you cray-cray." Actually it's double duty. I need red eyeshadow for my Halloween costume. How red? Look at the Yelp icon. Yes, that bright. I also need the same color for my wedding, which has bright red and silver as the theme colors. Lots of Internet research showed that a few brands could have the red eyeshadow I wanted. Many were online and I like to swatch my makeup before I buy. Kryolan was the only brand with the red eyeshadow I wanted and was available in my location. Oh crap those business hours I need to race from work to get there before it closes! Thankfully I made it with time to spare. Drag queens in their daytime personas (dudes) came in the store during my time there. I knew I found the right place. Things That Were Awesome: +++Clean! The interior is a light, airy store that lets you try just about everything. Lots of room to browse and ask about products. There are also plush chairs if you brought someone else with you or you need to wait. +++Special effects section for all of your Halloween needs. Blood, flesh colored makeup, unnatural/undead makeup, scars, glue for fake hair is all in one corner. +++Makeup is great for day-to-day. They are known for the crazy, wacky colors beloved by drag queens and body paint artists everywhere. But they do the subtle just as well. +++Affordable. My eyeshadows were $5 per color. The eyeshadows are super pigmented, stays on for a long time even under heat, yet easy with the application and removal. (Just use baby wipes!) That's just insane for what I could have paid at Sephora for something remotely similar. Things That Were Not So Awesome: ---Sketchy location. You need to ring the doorbell before they buzz you in. ---Might be understaffed. The man who helped me pick out colors was a wonderful. However there were a lot of customers buzzing in and he was busy helping them all. Put on a brave face and visit Kryolan. The little trip for nicer makeup will put the finishing touch on your costume. read more

Siai was such a dream to work with. I came in knowing nothing about the airbrush kit that I bought. And she helped me find everything I needed. Primer, colors, basics, and glam. I'm going home feeling confident that the products I got are going to give me the look that I want plus a few other sparkly goodies! I'm so excited I can't wait till I run out of product and have to come back and see her again. If you have questions come on Monday, talk to her! she's amazing! #sohappyicouldsqweek read more